Edinburgh Scotland 2010-2012 MA Programme :
Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapeutic Practice - Two year (CPD) Course
Validated as an MA Programme by Middlesex University
This course is for clinical practitioners of all disciplines who have at least three years’ post-qualification experience working one-to-one with clients, who want to broaden their current approach by training in a contemplative model of psychotherapy. Participants will include medically trained healthcare professionals, and complementary therapists.
Core Process Psychotherapy is an innovative psychotherapeutic approach which integrates the Buddhist understanding of mindfulness and the intrinsic health of our true nature with developments in neuroscience, western psychology and psychotherapeutic approaches. Within this wide perspective there is a deep appreciation of the significance of inner experiencing and the importance of relationship, both within the earliest developmental ‘holding environment’ and attachment experience, and the therapeutic alliance between therapist and client. Core Process principles, models, clinical dharma skills and theoretical frameworks are built upon this foundation, which is applied to the psychotherapeutic relationship and viewed as a joint practice. Participants are rigorously trained in this approach in order to be able to demonstrate clinical competence. This includes working with two clients for 6 months in order to graduate.
The process of offering a contemplative approach to psychotherapy is facilitated through lectures and skills practice within the context of personal, interpersonal and group enquiry. Given that this Training emphasises the fundamental interconnectedness of our individual experience, one major learning vehicle comprises developing the skills to enquire jointly into relationship itself at depth. The training group learns to cultivate and deepen awareness as a primary psychotherapeutic and transformational tool.
The course content is structured so that basic contemplative and inter-relational practices and skills are developed alongside the unfolding theoretical Core Process developmental model of the self, placed within a wider Buddhist understanding of sensitive interconnectedness and compassion arising naturally from contemplative awareness. The taught component of this course comprises two years with an additional 6 months to fulfil Graduation Requirements.
Trainers: John MacFadyen and Kath Wilmers, Karuna Training Team, based in Scotland. Franklyn Sills and Maura Sills, the Directors of Karuna will be present during the 5-day residential in Devon
Criteria for Entry : a celebration of diversity
We accept students from a wide range of different backgrounds, both academic and non-academic, and from all spiritual and therapeutic traditions. One of the hallmarks of our courses is a stimulating diversity which makes up the learning community of each course group. We particularly welcome students from all kinds of minority groups. We are happy to support students working with dyslexia and also with disabilities.
Admission onto our training is by personal interview. Each candidate can submit a unique individual portfolio to demonstrate a range of competencies and relevant experience and training. They also need to show that they have the desire and ability to learn, further and deepend their current levels of competencies throughout the period of training.
We recognize that successful applicants will present diverse sets of skills and competencies, and we are not looking for a standardized application - each application is considered individually.
Tutors provide individual support where possible to encourage students to meet those aspects of the training which are particularly challenging for them.
Competencies can be demonstrated and evidenced in a range of ways, including:
-Documented Approved Prior Learning ("APL") and Approved Prior Experiential Learning ("APEL")
-An undergraduate honours degree and/or in-service qualifications in an appropriate related discipline
-Documented, relevant and substantial experience of working at an appropriate depth, either therapeutically, psychologically, physically or spiritually with contracted clients
-In-depth discussion during the personal interview
Potential applicants must demonstrate they have the capacity and the mental, physical and spiritual stamina to complete all the requirements of the training, including the written and clinical work and the requirement to be involved in professional supervision, group enquiry and personal psychotherapy.
Candidates should have the financial resources available to meet all the costs of the training, including payment for psychotherapy, supervision, travel and books, in addition to the stated course fees.
Psychotherapeutic and professional competencies include:
-The ability to work reflectively and contemplatively, within a spiritual understanding of self, other and relationship
A full list of the competencies is available on application
course details
Karuna Institute, Scotland PQMA
Edinburgh, Scotland 2012-2014
Details including dates and cost for Autumn 2012 to be announced
For further information please contact: John MacFadyen : Tel: 01620 825300 or email:
Career Development Loan: Currently up to £8000 can be secured under this Government backed scheme. Details on www.direct.gov.uk/cdl